𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝒶𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓃 (𝐿𝑒𝓋𝒾 x 𝒪𝒞)

Chapter 28 : The Day is Rising

The light of dusk bathed the walls of the Exploration Brigade headquarters, casting long shadows on the wet cobblestones. Erwin and Levi stood on the balcony of the commander's office, side by side, gazing at the sky stretching above them. The clouds were tinged with shades of pink and purple, and a cool breeze carried the scent of rain that had just stopped.

It had been months since events had upended their lives. Months since the cult had grown increasingly agitated, since the mysterious light in the sky had captured everyone's attention, and since Marie had uncovered more about herself and her past. She had matured, her features hardened, like someone who had seen too much for such a young life. Hanji, meanwhile, continued her experiments, obsessed with Marie's crystal, desperately seeking to understand its mysteries and secrets.

The cult members appeared more and more restless, their activities becoming bolder and more unpredictable. Whispers circulated about an imminent prophecy, about an awakening that would change everything. They spoke of a floating island in the sky, visible only to those who were "chosen." A palpable tension reigned in the streets, and Erwin knew that something important was approaching.

Levi observed Erwin with a piercing gaze, arms crossed over his chest. He noticed how his commander's gaze was fixed on the sky, as if he were searching for something up there, beyond the clouds, something invisible to others.

"Why do you always look at the sky like a damn dreamer, Erwin?" Levi grumbled, his rough voice breaking the silence. "It's like you're searching for a fucking answer up there."

Erwin smiled slightly, his eyes still on the horizon. "Maybe I am searching for it," he replied calmly. "My father... he had this idea, an obsession even." He paused, as if weighing his words, then continued, "A sketch in one of his old notebooks. He drew a floating island in the sky. An island that no one could see, but which legends spoke of. A lost place, hidden from sight."

Levi furrowed his brows, intrigued despite himself. "A floating island?" he repeated, incredulous. "You've lost your mind, Erwin. You're crazier than I thought."

Erwin didn't immediately respond, letting Levi's words hang in the evening air. Eventually, he turned his head toward his captain, his expression remaining serene, almost dreamy. "Marie's crystal," he murmured. "It could be the key to accessing it. To discovering this island."

Levi shook his head, a dry laugh escaping his lips. "Holy shit," he grumbled, "You really think a fucking rock will lead us to an island in the sky? You've completely lost it."

Erwin turned fully toward Levi, his penetrating gaze meeting that of his captain. "Why do you doubt, Levi?" he asked softly, yet with an intensity that betrayed a certain frustration. "After all that's happened since Marie joined us, after everything we've seen... don't you think there's a grain of truth in those legends?"

Levi squinted, probing Erwin's face. "All I see is bullshit," he replied harshly. "Cult stories, dumb prophecies, and now this floating island crap. What the hell do you want us to do with all this?"

Erwin sighed softly, but he didn't look away. "I want to understand," he said firmly. "To understand what my father was trying to tell us. To understand why Marie is linked to all this. And above all, I want to know what's up there." He lifted his gaze back to the sky, his eyes shining with an almost feverish light. "If this island really exists, if it's the key to our past and our future, then we must find it."

Levi stared at him for a moment longer, his hard features softening slightly. He had known Erwin long enough to know that when he had that glint in his eye, he would stop at nothing to achieve his goal. "You're a damn dreamer, Erwin," he murmured finally, a hint of respect in his voice. "A dreamer who wants to touch the stars."